Postdoc position announcement: Soil response to prescribed fire in pine barrens restoration (MSU, USDA FS)
Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, is seeking a highly motivated postdoc for a project investigating the effects of prescribed fire and resulting soil heating on soil carbon, nutrients, seedbanks and hardwood regeneration in the context of ecosystem restoration. The postdoc will be co-advised by Dr. Jessica Miesel (MSU) and Dr. Randy Kolka (USDA FS NRS). The position will consist of analyzing data and writing scientific publications, participating in field measurements, and developing funding proposals. Primary responsibilities will be focused on soil carbon and nutrient response to heating, however, the postdoc will be expected to fully engage as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary research team, and to pursue cross-disciplinary data analysis that promotes understanding of ecosystem response to restoration treatments. The majority (75%) of the position will be focused on the development of high-impact manuscripts (requiring independence and collaboration in data analysis, presentation, and scientific writing), and 25% of the position will entail developing independent research related to the overall goals of the project (including developing funding proposals, and developing and implementing novel research related to the existing project). The postdoc will also be expected to contribute to overall project management activities and to mentoring student researchers. Funding is available for two years. The position will begin as a one-year appointment, with extension available depending on satisfactory performance and continued funding. Required qualifications: The successful candidate will have: 1) an earned PhD in soil science, ecology, environmental science, biogeochemistry, forestry, or related field by the position start date; 2) demonstrated skill in statistical analysis; 3) excellent writing skills as evidenced by a strong publication record; 4) The ability to work well independently and collaboratively; 5) demonstrated ability to successfully initiate, manage, and complete professional projects. Additional beneficial qualifications include: familiarity with GIS; familiarity with soil heating, fire, process and/or ecosystem models; previous experience conducting field research independently and as a team; previous experience operating analytical laboratory equipment; an exceptional work ethic and professionalism. Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Shared housing near Ashland, Wisconsin will be provided during field campaigns. To Apply: Apply online at https://jobs.msu.edu to position number 3748 before midnight (US Eastern time) on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Upload the following required documents as a single PDF: 1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a list of three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number), and 4) three samples of professional writing. Incomplete applications will not be considered (however, contact Dr. Miesel at miese...@msu.edu if your single PDF file size exceeds the allowable upload limit). Application deadline: September 6, 2016. Desired start date is early January 2017, but earlier or later start dates may be possible if identified in the application cover letter. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Miesel at miese...@msu.edu. *MSU is an equal opportunity employer and the Department of Forestry is committed to promoting diversity in research.* -- *Jessica R. Miesel, PhD*Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Michigan State University 480 Wilson Rd. Rm. 126 East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Office location: Natural Resources 112 Office phone: 517-355-8239 Google voice (mobile): 920-341-3473 Email: miese...@msu.edu Website: http://www.for.msu.edu/people/jessica_miesel